understanding

1[uncountable,singular]understanding (of something)the knowledge that someone has about a particular subject or situationThe committee has little or no understanding of the problem.The existence of God is beyond human understanding (= humans cannot know whether God exists or not).Most of the students have a sound understanding of English grammar.

2[countable,usually singular]an informal agreementWe finally came to an understanding about what hours we would work.We have this understanding that no one talks about work over lunch.

3[uncountable,singular]the ability to understand why people behave in a particular way and the willingness to forgive them when they do something wrongWe must tackle the problem with sympathy and understanding.We are looking for a better understanding between the two nations.Try to show a little more understanding.

4[uncountable,countable]understanding (of something)the particular way in which someone understands somethingsynonyminterpretationMy understanding of the situation is…The statement is open to various understandings.